98 sonoma Temp skyrockets in traffic.

[xXmjz96Xx]

My 98 Sonoma temp skyrockets in crawling traffic But as soon as i get going temp goes right back to the normal spot between 100 and 210. Thermostat? Heat is fine. 2.2l if it matters.

 

[Gregoryjjj]

Thermostat would be my first guess, water pump would be my second guess, low coolant would be my third guess....or any of the three guesses in any order.....

 

[xXmjz96Xx]

Coolant is fine. So i guess ill start with the Thermostat When it gets warmer out.

 

[mogleybear]

Does it have an electric cooling fan? Sounds like there might be an air flow problem at slow speeds.

 

[xXmjz96Xx]

Nope belt driven or whatever you wanna call it clutch driven.

 

[80Adrian]

i might have a diagnosis

Check your fan/ Fan Clutch. your trucks temperature rises as it drives and if you are driving then the fan is turning fast constantly trying to cool down your engine. now if the truck is not in motion or accelerating then the fan moves at a slower rate. you could also try changing your radiator or checking for any punctures to it. if that's all good try changing the coolant.

 

[vanhuntt]

You could check a number of causes:
Check the cooling fans, are they working properly? Is the temp switch controlling the fan working? Check the radiator. Are the radiator hoses working properly? A faulty one can hinder coolant flow. Also see the thermostat-- it might not be opening up all the way?

 

[lmleck]

The radiator core could be partially clogged inside.
Check between the radiator and the AC Condenser for an accumulation of insects or leaves.